Kurt Scholz was in attendance with Proshen and both have Jets season tickets, but weren’t about to miss this duel with the Phoenix Coyotes.

Fans take over

“When we heard about it, we bought our tickets right away,” said Scholz. “There’s going to be more Jets fans than Coyotes fans. Guaranteed.”

That might not have been exactly true but many of the suites were filled with Jets fans.

Scholz and Proshen were among the hundreds of Jets fans at McFadden’s Pub, which is next door to the arena.

The atmosphere at the pub was outstanding as the Jets fans took over the patio at the popular spot, sporting a great mix of new and old paraphernalia.

Not surprisingly, Go Jets Go chants were the order of the day, while every person that walked by wearing a Coyotes jersey was booed lustily.

Passion was clearly the order of the day.

“It’s insane,” said Gayle Grandmont of Winnipeg. “We’ve got to support them when we can. We lost them once and we’re not going to do it again. I knew there were going to be a few but I’m shocked at how many (Manitobans) are here.”

Tommy Bruce is from Rankin Inlet in Nunavut and a carload of fans flew to Winnipeg and then made the 24-hour drive to be at the game, while many others flew in.

The hometown Coyotes fans were supportive of the Jets fans.

“One said we’re happy you got a team but we’re happy you didn’t steal ours,” said Lana Nicholson.

Prior to puck drop, the public address announcer asked fans to formally welcome back the Jets to the NHL and the request was met with a mixture of boos and cheers.

Carrying on a practice established during the pre-season, Jets fans gave an emphatic True North during the Canadian national anthem.

Jets co-owner Mark Chipman, Mayor Sam Katz and former Jets centre Thomas Steen were among the Winnipeggers who made the trip for the game.